Speaking on Saturday, September 5, 2026, Atwoli said Sifuna has a future in national politics but needs more time to prepare and put together a strong political team.
Atwoli said leaders around Sifuna should be honest with him instead of pushing him into a presidential campaign before he is ready.
“The time is not now for Sifuna,” Atwoli said, adding that the senator needs to first organise his team before starting a nationwide campaign.
He questioned the preparedness of some of Sifuna's political allies, saying the mixed messages coming from his supporters showed that they were yet to agree on how to approach the 2027 election.
“You cannot start going around before preparing the team you will move with,” Atwoli said.
The COTU boss, however, made it clear that his comments were not meant to write off Sifuna's political ambitions.
He said the Nairobi senator could still play a major role in national politics when the right time comes.
Sifuna has in recent months attracted attention over his political activities outside Nairobi, particularly through the Linda Mwananchi movement.
His name has increasingly been mentioned among politicians positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential contest.
Atwoli's latest remarks come months after Sifuna criticised him and ODM leader Oburu Oginga over what he described as a lack of space for young politicians.
During a rally in Kisumu in April, Sifuna praised Siaya Governor James Orengo for supporting and mentoring younger leaders.
He contrasted Orengo with Atwoli and Oburu, accusing the two of making it difficult for young politicians to rise.
The differences between Sifuna and Atwoli also emerged in July when the senator declined an offer from the COTU boss to help raise Ksh1 billion for his campaign.
Sifuna said he would instead seek financial support from ordinary Kenyans.
Despite the political differences, Atwoli urged leaders in ODM to avoid treating one another as enemies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said politicians could compete for different positions while maintaining good relations within the party.
“You can do friendly politics,” Atwoli said.
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